Since the leather is getting loose I want to remove the dashboard, is it possible without removing the windscreen? I remarked that it is somehow fixed near the windscreen but didn't find any screws, the rest just lays on the traverse frame and is holded together by the already removed pieces. I also saw that the connection hose from the AC to the box splitting the air was loose, now wonder it didn't really work... Some pictures: http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/
Also look for retaining hardware on the inside of the dash ducts, at the base of the windshield, and you will need a curved 8MM wrench to loosten. Gary Bobileff
Thanks Gary, I supposed this when I removed one of the ducts I saw this 8mm stud and screw, but before tearing and pulling etc it's wiser to ask if someone has made already the experience.
Here a picture showing the stud: http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050089.jpg That's the wrench I just used for the first on: http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050090.jpg After carefully pulling and pushing the dash shield got loose on the right side, Bingo Thanks Gary for the confirmation that these too long studs hold the dash shield in position.
The first time after 23 years of existance the air hose to the paasenger foot room has enough room after I cut out a small piece of the fuse box plate... that was a lot of chianti those days. http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050098.JPG
Seems that 23 years ago someone drunk too much chianti during lunch time, else I can't explain why a 89mm hose was used between the AC-Unit and the air splitting box. Well it's corrected now, the correct 82mm hose is installed and fixed appropriately. The wires will be rerouted as well and fixed thoroughly. If someone needs that part, I had to buy 1m but you need only about 30cm. http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050100.jpg
Seems I'm having a monologue here, perhaps I should switch this info to another forum... Today I got LED's and tested them with success, no more voltage drop, brighter instruments and no more heat from the bulbs. http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050101.jpg
Great post Raymond. Every time I see the wiring on one of the older Lambo's (Countach, Jalpa, etc..), it reminds me of this guy I was talking with who worked at the factory back in the 80's. He told me: "Mike, the wiring varied so much from car to car, simply because when one spool of wire ran out (we might have been using blue w/ white stripe for a radiator fan), a shop gal would bring us a new spool that might be green w/ white stripe. So the next 50 cars are completely different!" hahahahaha... Amazing. I look at the wiring on my Jalpa sometimes and just shake my head. How things have changed in 30 years...... Mike
Great posts Raymond. Thanks for sharing, because I thought about changing to LEDs also, and I'm glad to know they work well! Victor
The bulb sockets are T10, you have to buy bulb replacements for T10 3W bulbs. First not all worked because the socket were corroded, so don't give up after the first successless try.
Seems that someone used putty to insulate the windscreen on the inside, I will put a proper silicone joint there. http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050095.JPG http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050103.jpg An replaced the foam, doesn't look nice but doesn't need either, typical: the ducts are 7,5cm in diameter but the whole is 9,5... http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050104.JPG
More and more have changed the bulbs and I always hear good things. I'm doing that this summer also. Can't wait to see what the instruments look like at night. Also thinking about updating the headlights so that they are also of some use.
I simply replaced the headlight bulbs with such which give 50% more light, Philips or Osram have them, over here you can buy them in every homestore.
Got the dash back yesterday and tried to install it these evening, my god they had a lot of chianti when they built these cars, you have to push the dash to the windscreen and simultanisly tighten the screw and damn it's not tighten. I have to take it out again and improve the fixation, italian craftmenship, I had enough for today...
Keep up the good work....and the posts. Although not a Countach owner, I find this stuff extremely fascinating.
Great stuff Raymond! How do the new LED lights work for the dash lights? Much easier to read and the gauges? Mike
Dashboard is back in the car since last Thursday, looking at the pictures I took at removal I can recognize that it was not installed properly, it was not fully at the windscreen. http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050084.JPG The reason was simply the bad mounting, the small alu piece in the right vent which holds the stud was not in the correct position, like that it's impossible to push the dash fully to the front http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050089.jpg Here the problem in detail: obviously the alu plate is not in sync with the fibreglass, so the stud was blocked in between http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050103.jpg Now it fits perfect, I just wonder why the made it that complicate, there would have been enough room to place these two studs outside the airbox feeding the vents. Regarding the LED's I'll be able to give feedback soon since today the first test drive is planned.
The LED's are really fine, no current consumption obvious and better light. I owe a last comparison, the before and after, here we go:
Wow, how did I miss this thread earlier? Raymond, thank you very much for posting this. After my engine-out throw-out bearing issue is resolved, I need to have my dash recovered. These pics will be invaluable. I am also tempted to mod my 2V to a QV 4-vent A/C set-up. Those 2 small vents in the center console just don't cut it, especially in Arizona.
